Biden and Xi Jinping to Meet in Peru Amid Tensions in US-China Relations

President Joe Biden is set to meet with China's Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru. This meeting comes as China anticipates Donald Trump's return to the White House. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed the meeting, which will occur just over two months before Trump's inauguration.

US-China Relations Under Scrutiny

The upcoming talks between Biden and Xi are crucial, given the strained US-China relations. During his campaign, Trump proposed imposing a 60% tariff on all Chinese exports to the US. This move could further strain the already tense relationship between Washington and Beijing. The two nations have longstanding disagreements over China's support for Russia, human rights issues, technology, and Taiwan.

Biden aims to maintain a stable relationship with Xi despite these tensions. His administration has raised concerns about China's actions, including its military assertiveness toward Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Additionally, US intelligence reports suggest China has increased sales of technology to Russia, aiding its war efforts in Ukraine.

Trade and Economic Concerns

In 2020, the US and China signed a trade deal where China agreed to improve intellectual property rights and purchase an additional USD 200 billion of American goods. However, a research group later found that China had not fulfilled these commitments. A second Trump administration is expected to further test US-China relations, following tariffs on over USD 360 billion in Chinese products during his first term.

Biden's meeting with Xi will also address cybersecurity concerns and efforts to curb the flow of Chinese-manufactured chemicals used in fentanyl production. Sullivan mentioned that Biden would likely discuss an ongoing US investigation into alleged Chinese hacking targeting cellphones used by Trump and others associated with the Harris campaign.

International Diplomacy Efforts

While at APEC, Biden will also meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This meeting follows the historic Camp David summit hosted by Biden in August 2023 with Yoon and former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The discussions aim to strengthen security and economic cooperation among these allies amid shared concerns about North Korea's nuclear activities and China's influence in the Pacific.

Sullivan emphasized that transitions are critical moments in geopolitics when adversaries may see opportunities. He noted that President Biden would communicate the need for stability and predictability during this transition period between the United States and China.

The meeting between Biden and Xi marks their third encounter during Biden's presidency. They previously met in Woodside, California, last November at the 2023 APEC summit and spoke by phone in April. The White House has been working for months to arrange this final meeting before Biden leaves office in January.

As global leaders gather for these discussions, maintaining open communication channels remains vital for addressing ongoing geopolitical challenges.